Istomin, who posed a tough challenge to Lleyton Hewitt as a wild card in the second round of Australian Open, feels his game has improved manifold and Uzbekistan would be a tough nut to crack this time.

"I was 18 years old three years ago when we got beaten by India in Jaipur. I did not have enough experience. But now I am playing more tournaments. I am playing every week. So it will be a different ball game this time," said Istomin, who lost to Prakash Amritraj in the 2005 tie which India won 5-0.

"My serve has improved and so has my return. I am in good form. We do not have much experience of playing on the grass court but we are having a good practice here and hopefully will play better this time," said Istomin, ranked 185 in singles.

Istomin feels Indians would miss captain Leander Paes who has ruled himself out as the veteran has a formidable record in Davis Cup.

"Leander not playing would be an advantage for us. He has got a great record in Davis Cup. But the other guys would be challenging because they have grown up playing in grass," the 21-year-old said.

However, Istomin compatriot Farrukh Dustov believes Paes’ absence due to an injury will not make any major difference.

Dushtov said Rohan Bopanna and Amritraj are relatively younger and fitter and they would have to be in their top form to beat them in singles.

"Other guys are young and are fit for the singles. Paes has a very good record in doubles in world and his experience will be missed. They are good grass court players and we will have to push them," Dushtov said after practicing at the National Sports Club here.

"The facilities here are okay but we still have not seen the court where the tie will take place. Hopefully it will be better," he said.

After all the talk about special grass court shoes, Uzbekistan has brought along with them, Dushtov said they would have a new pair shipped in from California.

"Leander spoke to me and said these are not grass court shoes. We do not get these shoes here. I don’t know how the Indian players play. We are getting the grass court shoes from California."